Reckless driving has been defined as "the operation of an automobile in a dangerous manner under the circumstances, including speeding (or going too fast for the conditions, even though within the posted speed limit), driving after drinking (but not drunk), having too many passengers in the car, cutting in and out of traffic, failing to yield to other vehicles, and other negligent acts."

Many accidents occur daily because of reckless driving, involving harmful driving tactics such as speeding, failure to yield right of way, failure to obey traffic signs, making improper turns, improper passing, improper following, improper or erratic lane changes, illegal driving on shoulder, racing, failing to signal or failing to observe warnings on vehicle. Some statistics suggest that up to 33% of car accidents in America are because of reckless driving. Speeding-related crashes alone account for $40.4 billion in economic costs each year and claimed 11,674 lives in 2008. Teens are particularly culpable when it comes to reckless driving. According to one report, "Because of driving inexperience and unsafe driving habits, teenage drivers are more prone to engage in reckless or distracted driving. Statistics show they are more likely to speed, neglect seatbelts, text, and even drink while driving."

While the Law Office of Steve Cedillos recognizes that reckless driving is a real problem, it also understands that it is all too common to be accused of something you didn't commit or to be saddled with a reckless driving charge when you have a perfectly rational explanation for your driving behavior. One Honolulu resident charged with reckless driving says she was pulled over after speeding up considerably to pass a car that would not let her over and exit. Another resident says he had to swerve and make a sudden lane change to prevent an accident from occurring. The cops don't see everything; if you have been unfairly accused of reckless driving, I, Attorney Steve Cedillos, can help you dismantle this charge today. As a Honolulu criminal defense lawyer, I can make sure that you are fairly represented to the court.

If you have been charged with reckless driving, it is important that you are aware of the consequences you might face. According to the Hawaii Revised Statutes §291-2,

"Reckless driving of vehicle or riding of animals; penalty.Whoever operates any vehicle or rides any animal recklessly in disregard of the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving of vehicle or reckless riding of an animal, as appropriate, and shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both."

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense in Honolulu and can result in a jail sentence of up to 30 days and a fine up to $1,000. Your license can also be suspended, depending on the discretion of the courts and Department of Transportation, and at the very least you will have three to six points applied to your license. For more information on reckless driving, check out the Honolulu DMV links by clicking here.

At the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, I will do everything within my power to get your charge dismissed or reduced. A common defense to this charge is to attack the vagueness of the law on this subject and to establish that it makes more sense for an individual to receive a non-criminal traffic violation instead of a criminal charge of reckless driving. To learn more about reckless driving and to begin crafting the best defense possible, contact my office now at (808) 536-5242. Let me put my extensive litigation experience and more than 20 years of legal practice to work for you today! Call now to get started.